Matchday news

James Wesolowski has delivered a positive message as Latics prepare for this afternoon's home SkyBet League 1 match against Crewe Alexandra.

Latics' midfield man (pictured) believes better times are ahead after an indifferent start to the 2013/14 campaign.

Wesolowski said: "If you look at the table, the season has not gone as we had hoped.

"However, at the same time we have had some very promising performances and it is just a case of turning them into wins.

"The longer we keep playing at the tempo and style we are doing at the moment, it is only a matter of time before results turn round for us."

Wesolowski believes it is the team's inability to kills off teams when on top in games which is the cause of their undoing.

"If you are on top and don't kill off opposing teams with that first goal to demoralise them, that gives them an extra boost. That is why it is important to get the first goal this afternoon," he said.

He also says that keeping clean sheets will guarantee wins as the team scores goals.

"We have had games when we have banged in three and four goals, but we have to make sure we do the other things right and are solid at the back," he continued.

And Wesolowski believes Latics can emulate Yeovil who last season made a terrible start to the season before embarking on a remarkable run which ended with promotion to the Championship.

He said: "In any successful season, teams go on big runs and you saw that with Yeovil who went through a really strong patch.

"It is getting that first win under our belt and then hopefully we will roll on from there."

Wesolowski added his own form has been patchy, but he has enjoyed the style of play of the current team.

He also believes competition for central midfield places is more intense than ever with captain Korey Smith, Anton Rodgers and David Mellor also vying for the two spots in the centre.

Wesolowski continued: "We have some talent in midfield and it is a case of who wants to play the most and who will do the most to get it.

"When I get the chance to claim the spot, I have to make sure I do as much as I can to keep it because of the quality we have in the squad."

Wesolowski is happy how his partnership in the middle is developing alongside Smith.

He said: "I enjoy playing alongside Korey and the more we do, the more we get to know each others strengths and weakenesses.

"I think the longer we play together, the stronger our relationship will be as he is a quality player with top ability.

"He can go far in the game if he stays focused. I think we make a good combination."